NASBA Center For Public Trust 
Ethics Matters
Q4 2024
As 2024 ends, it is important that we consider what is needed to finish the year strong, reflect on what we have accomplished and plan for what can be accomplished in the new year. All of this while dealing with the demands of the holidays, taking vacation time before it expires and experiencing exhaustion from the past 11 months. Here are just a few tips to help you not only finish the year, but to finish it strong.
Finish Strong
What does it mean to finish strong? Finishing strong is all about commitment, integrity and ultimately is a choice to show dedication to completing the task at hand, regardless of the challenges faced. This is just as much about rededicating yourself to your goals as it is about identifying the stop-doings that will distract and deter you from focusing on completing your goals.
Take an inventory of the goals that you want to achieve by year end and develop action steps to accomplish them. In many cases, you may want to focus on the effort needed and upstream measures rather than the specific outcome. For example, if losing weight is a goal, then set action steps for increased exercising and modified diet and nutrition.
Reflect
In this fast-paced world with ever increasing demands for outcomes, it’s easy to focus more on the future and completely skip over the present. Make sure that you take time to document your personal and professional accomplishments of this past year. Consider all accomplishments, whether big or small, because they all have made an impact on you, your future and others. Documenting and sharing these accomplishments will be an excellent way to affirm your results’ impact and create a framework for what you want to do next year.
Plan for 2025
The last few weeks of the year offer an excellent window of time to plan goals for the new year. Start by considering your results in 2024 as a baseline. Next, evaluate the need to revise or replace goals based on new demands and challenges. Once you determine your goals, remember that they need to be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound). Lastly, break each action item into smaller quarterly, monthly, weekly and even daily goals. This will allow for greater traction around your goals throughout the year and provide indicators early on when you need to reset or adjust them.
Just remember how important it is to finish this year strong and to reflect on this year’s accomplishments. This will help you effectively plan and develop your goals for 2025. Know that your commitment to achieving your goals speaks to your integrity as a leader and sets the standard for your team, your colleagues and your organization.
Thank you for your continued support of the NASBA Center for the Public Trust, and Happy Holidays!